Harper Lin
Golf is a sport that is generally considered safe and not physically demanding. However, it can be bad for your body due to the repetitive and unnatural nature of the golf swing, which can cause back pain and injuries to the elbow, shoulder, wrist, and hand. The risk of injury is higher than commonly thought, with golf being more dangerous than rugby, hockey, and other team sports in terms of injury rates. On the other hand, golf has several health benefits, including improved heart and lung function, and research has found that regular golfers live longer than non-golfers. So, is golf bad for your body? The answer is complex and depends on various factors, such as age, fitness level, and technique. While it may provide health benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize the chance of injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Back injuries | Most common and painful injury suffered by golfers due to the unnatural swing motion |
| Elbow injuries | Caused by overstress of the bursar sacs that lubricate the joint |
| Shoulder injuries | Caused by improper rotation, leading to a tear in the rotator cuff, scapular lag or AC joint |
| Wrist/Hand injuries | Caused by an improper grip, leading to issues like Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, injured Hamate Bone, ECU Tendon Sublaxation, etc. |
| Head injuries | Can be potentially fatal, caused by errant golf balls and flying club heads |
| Golf cart injuries | High risk of severe injuries associated with the use of golf carts |
| Health benefits | Improved heart health, improved lung function, improved balance, socialisation, spending time in nature |
| Injury rate | Golf has a higher rate of injury per 1000 persons than rugby, hockey, basketball, American football, and cycling |
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What You'll Learn
Golf is a cause of back pain
While golf is generally considered a safe sport with a low risk of injury, it can be bad for your body in several ways. One of the most common issues is back pain, which can be caused or exacerbated by the golf swing. The twisting, compression, and side-bending involved in the golf swing can place significant forces on the spine, discs, muscles, ligaments, and joints. This is especially true for older golfers, as the spine may already have some wear and tear, making it more susceptible to injury.
The demographics of golfing tend to include a more mature population, and it is played by many people well into their old age. While this is a benefit of the sport, it also means that the players' spines are more likely to have abnormalities or existing issues. The golf swing can place a lot of stress on the spine, and this can be dangerous for those with pre-existing conditions.
The unnatural movement of the golf swing can cause back pain even in those with a healthy spine. The twisting motion can create too much torque on the back muscles, discs, and nerves, leading to pain and potential injury. This is made worse by rushing the swing in an attempt to generate more power. A rushed swing can also lead to a greater risk of injury from an errant golf ball or a flying club head.
To prevent back pain from golfing, it is important to focus on proper swing mechanics and technique. This includes maintaining the correct grip and swing plane, as well as slowing down the swing to focus on form. Stretching before and during a round of golf can also help to prevent back pain and reduce the risk of injury. If back pain does occur, simple treatments such as ice, heat, and over-the-counter medications can be effective. However, if pain persists for more than a few weeks, it is recommended to see an orthopedic specialist to rule out any underlying issues.
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Golfers are susceptible to elbow injuries
While golf may not be a high-impact sport, it can still be bad for your body in several ways. The unnatural movement of the golf swing can cause back pain and injuries, and golfers are also susceptible to elbow and shoulder injuries.
Golfer's elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a common injury among golfers. It is a form of tendonitis that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons connecting the forearm and elbow. This injury occurs when there is repeated use of the wrist and arm to bend, grasp or twist, which leads to tiny tears in the tendons that cause pain in the wrist, elbow, and forearm. The repeated swinging motion in golf can cause these tiny tears, especially for beginners who have not yet mastered the proper form.
The symptoms of golfer's elbow can take weeks or months to develop and may start with pain in the inner elbow that is worse in the morning. Other symptoms include elbow, forearm, and wrist pain, as well as a limited range of motion and weakened grip. If left untreated, golfer's elbow can cause permanent damage, including chronic pain and a reduced range of motion in the elbow.
To prevent golfer's elbow, it is important to minimize the load and stress placed on the elbow and wrist. This can be done by using proper equipment, maintaining a proper swinging form, and ensuring that grip size is appropriate. New golfers should consider taking lessons and getting their clubs fitted to avoid excessive strain. Additionally, warming up the elbows and forearms before playing can help to prevent injury and improve performance.
If you are experiencing elbow pain, it is recommended to rest your arm for at least four to six weeks and consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend treatments such as massage, physical therapy, or NSAIDs to reduce pain and promote healing.
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Shoulder pain is common in golfers
Golf is a unique sport when it comes to the shoulders. The leading shoulder is forced and stretched into an extreme adducted (towards the body) position at the top of the backswing, while the non-leading shoulder is in an abducted (away from the body) externally rotated position. The repeated swinging motion can wear and tear the muscles in the shoulder socket. Ignoring this problem may lead to a build-up of scar tissue, limiting movement.
Shoulder pain in golfers is often in the non-dominant arm, which, if you're a right-handed player, would be the left arm (and vice versa). If you are overusing your shoulders to power your swing, you're placing tremendous strain on a group of muscles in the shoulder called the rotator cuff, which are responsible for stabilizing and moving the shoulder through movement. The rotator cuff can become irritated, inflamed, and can even tear if the problem isn't addressed appropriately. The supraspinatus muscle is the most commonly injured rotator cuff muscle in golfers. It plays a major role in initiating and completing your swing.
One of the main problems contributing to golf shoulder pain is a lack of mobility in the thoracic spine, or mid-back. Many people are stuck in a rounded, hunched-over posture as a result of modern lifestyles (sitting at desks, in cars, on couches) and faulty training methods (lots of bench pressing and crunches/sit-ups). A stiff thoracic spine doesn't allow you to rotate effectively into your backswing. In order to get a range of motion, the body resorts to overusing the shoulders. To produce power, the swing becomes overly dependent on the use of the arms, placing excessive demand on the shoulder joint and its surrounding structures.
To avoid shoulder pain, golfers should warm up their muscles before a game by stretching their arms, shoulders, and backs, and doing some brief cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging. Golfers should also practice good form. Repetitive instances of improper form and technique can increase the likelihood of sustaining a shoulder injury.
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Golf can be dangerous, even fatal
While golf is generally considered a safe sport with a low risk of injury, there are several ways in which it can be dangerous and even fatal.
The golf swing is an unnatural activity that can exert significant forces on the spine, including twisting, compression of discs, and side bending. These forces can lead to back pain and injuries, especially for older golfers whose spines may already have some wear and tear. Rotator cuff injuries in the shoulder are another common issue for golfers, caused by the repeated swinging motion that can wear and tear the muscles in the shoulder socket. Ignoring this problem can lead to a buildup of scar tissue and limited movement. Other issues caused by the golf swing include elbow pain, often referred to as "golfer's elbow," which is caused by the overstress of the bursar sacs that lubricate the joint.
In addition to these common injuries, golf can also lead to more severe and even fatal injuries. According to a study, an estimated 40,000 golfers seek emergency treatment each year due to injuries caused by errant golf balls and flying club heads. The use of golf carts also poses a high risk, with 15,000 injuries reported annually due to their use.
Therefore, while golf may offer health benefits such as improved heart health and lung function, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and take steps to minimize the risk of injury, such as stretching, maintaining proper form, and seeking medical advice when necessary.
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Golf has health benefits, too
While golf may be associated with health risks, particularly in relation to the back, it also has several health benefits.
Golf is an outdoor sport that can be played by people of all ages and fitness levels. It is not as physically demanding as other sports, but it does provide health benefits, especially for older adults. Research has shown that golfers have a 40% lower mortality rate than non-golfers and tend to live longer. Golf can also help improve heart health by acting as a form of exercise for those undergoing cardiac and stroke rehabilitation. It can improve lung function, which aids the optimum functioning of the heart.
Playing golf also provides an opportunity for socialisation and spending time in nature, which can positively impact mental health and well-being. The act of walking around a golf course, which is typically a large, green space, can help one feel closer to nature and provide a sense of relaxation and calmness.
Additionally, golf can help improve balance and stability, especially in older adults. The swinging motion in golf requires the rotation of the upper torso and a shift in weight, which, when repeated, improves upper body leverage and balance.
It is important to note that while golf has these health benefits, it is crucial to maintain proper form and technique to prevent injuries and adverse effects on the body.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the golf swing is an unnatural activity that can cause back pain and even injury. The twisting, compression of the disc, and side bending can have a significant impact on the spine, muscles, ligaments, and joints. However, there are ways to minimize the risk of back injuries, such as stretching, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing lower-impact cardio.
Golfers are also susceptible to injuries in the elbow, shoulder, wrist, and hands due to the repeated swinging motion. These injuries can include tennis elbow, rotator cuff tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigger finger. Additionally, there is a risk of head injuries from errant golf balls and flying club heads, as well as injuries from golf cart use.
Despite the potential for injuries, golf can also provide several health benefits. It is a form of exercise that can improve heart health, lung function, and balance. Golf is also a social activity that allows people to spend time outdoors in nature, which can have positive effects on mental health. Research has shown that golfers have a 40% lower mortality rate and live an average of five years longer than non-golfers.
